Maeve Holland waves at family during the Londonderry High School graduation held at Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester on Friday. (Thomas Roy/Union Leader)

Londonderry High graduates lauded for their success, kindness

By KATHRYN MARCHOCKINew Hampshire Union Leader

MANCHESTER — Lancer Nation sent nearly 400 graduating high school seniors out into the world Friday with cheers, class pride, words of encouragement and a bit of whimsy.

“You guys brought what it means to be a Lancer back to Londonderry High School,” Class President Michael Bolduc told classmates, faculty, friends and family in a packed Verizon Wireless Arena.

.“There will never be a class that comes close to re-creating what we have done here,” he added.

“I think we are going forward to greatness. After all, we are the Lancers, and I believe that we will win,” Bolduc said to a standing ovation...The 2014 graduating class began its schooling with the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists attacks and went on to define itself for its “kindness,” concern for others, banding together to help homeless veterans, cancer patients and the poor, and making a difference in the world, Principal Jason Parent said...Last night, student speakers quoted Winnie the Pooh and J.P. Rowling in urging classmates to expect obstacles and failures, but to persevere and go on to greatness.

“Class of 2014, I hope you fall down. Learn from your mistakes,” valedictorian Cassidy Litch told the sea of blue- and white-gowned graduates...“I hope each of you recovers from mistakes. But most of all, I hope you love what you decide to do,” she added.

The class distinguished itself in academics, athletics, the arts and pride in their school, Parent said. Their many accomplishments, he said, included: 15 percent of the class earning cumulative grade point averages of 4.0 or higher, the marching band taking first place in St. Patrick Day parades in New York City and Washington, D.C., and a lack of competitiveness as students collectively reached out to support others...kmarchocki@unionleader.com..